Description

Ebiil Society mobilized the rural community in Northern Palau to restore and rehabilitate 15 acres of terrestrial land led by a group of women volunteers, the "Erosion Control Ladies" and other community members using traditional ecological knowledge to build resilience of the terrestrial ecosystems and protect the reefs ecosystems.

Nature Element

Forests / Oceans

Type of Action

Protection / Restoration / Awareness and education

Sustainable Development Element

Jobs and livelihoods / Water security

Related Sustainable Development Goal(s)

Environmental Impacts

Ebiil Society's initiative has had a positive impact in the community - with sections of terrestrial ecosystems rehabilitated and restoration of native forests (nearly 12 thousand trees, 8 thousands plants over 15 acres) that have stabilized and prevented sediment runoff (a reported 495 tons of soil averted) protecting watersheds, the coastal mangroves and coral reefs.

Sustainable Development Impacts

The initiative has positively impacted jobs and livelihoods in the local community as well as water security to the community. Reef ecosystems are being monitored and managed to ensure sustainable levels are maintained in their fisheries. On land, watersheds are monitored to protect water resources and ensure safe and clean water for the community.

Scalability

Four other states are now implementing the erosion control practices developed by the Erosion Control Ladies and Ebiil Society. This replication is yet to expand in scale through the whole country. It is important to note that Ebiil Society’s work is even now contributing to national policies. Ebiil Society’s work on fishery and terrestrial management is influencing the national policy and framework on watershed protection management and sustainable fisheries. Additionally, Ebiil Society is collaborating with other community partners to developing a curriculum approach to incorporate the citizen science training centre for field learning and research to consideration by Palau’s Ministry of Education.

Replicability

Ebiil Society’s programs, particularly the terrestrial management and protection program is being replicated in four others states in Palau. The data from the marine management and protection activities, undertaken by men and young people (boys and girls in the community) is being used to inform fisheries management policies, nationally and in the region.

Ebiil Society has also been recognized internationally for their innovative community learning efforts. Ebiil Society received the UNESCO Education for International Understanding (EIU) Best Practices Award in 2011 for their Camp Ebiil program. In 2014, Ebiil Society received an award from Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) for best conservation education program in the Pacific and Asia region. The recognition has yet to result in full support of replicating the actions in other countries.

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